OCEANSIDE: A dozen illegal immigrants found in disabled boat

OCEANSIDE ---- A disabled boat rescued this week after being adrift for three days off the coast of Oceanside had 12 illegal immigrants aboard, U.S. Border Patrol officials said Tuesday.

About 11 a.m. Monday, a private boater found the damaged vessel about a half-mile from shore and began towing it in, according to the agency. Oceanside Harbor Police intercepted the two boats and towed the disabled one into the harbor.

The boat had departed from Rosarito Beach in Mexico on Friday and was bound for Long Beach. The boat became disabled and started to take on water.

"The boat's navigator reportedly radioed an accomplice for assistance," the Border Patrol's statement said. "The accomplice arrived in a small boat and picked up the navigator, indicating they would send assistance."

But help never came. The captain and 11 passengers were stranded, according to the statement.

The Border Patrol seized the boat and took custody of the four female and eight male passengers.